santa anita picks Archives - The Conductor's Scroll

Santa Anita Park: Key Horses for Friday, April 23

on April 23, 2021April 19, 2023 By The Conductor's Scribe

Horses racing out of the starting gate at Santa Anita Park with mountains in the background.

No dice yesterday for the Conductor, Keeneland has been very fickle for him. Back to Santa Anita we go, Skip.

Race 3: 6½ Furlongs. (Turf) F.S.OC 50000n1x

#8 Michalska (7/2) – Cutting back to a sprint after making an early move into a quick pace last time, this filly looks like the winner. She gets a rider upgrade as well.

Race 5: 1 Mile. (Turf) Alw 50000s

#3 Storm the Bastille (3/1) – He just missed vs tougher two back at Santa Anita and was stuck behind a slow pace last time. He looks to get a much better setup today with pace to run at.

Race 7: 6½ Furlongs. (Turf) S.Alw 63000n1x

#7 First Prez (10/1) – The Conductor likes both O’neil runners in here. 1st time back in the barn today, this gelding ran well last time despite breaking thru the gate before the race. His win on debut shows he has talent.

#8 Hammering Lemon (5/1) – Cutting back to a sprint after pressing a hot pace going a mile last time, he’s tough not to like.

Race 9: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.MC 50000

*Gullet Shot of the Day #6 Agata (8/1) – Trying dirt at Santa Anita last time, she stumbled at the break and lost all chance. Switching back to the turf today, her races fit with this group and she’ll be facing claimers for the first time.

Santa Anita Park: Big Cap Day Key Horses

on March 6, 2021April 13, 2023 By The Conductor's Scribe

A dynamic horse race featuring multiple jockeys in colorful silks racing on a dirt track with mountains in the background.

Mary had a little Whack! 20/1 on Law Professor yesterday fills the train with coal rolling into Big Cap Day. Do not let Santa Anita up for air! Skip!

Race 1: 1 Mile (Turf) F.China Doll Stakes 100k

#4 Bleu Ballon (4/1) – She has an early pace edge over this field and her finish sprinting last time was impressive. The added ground should be no issue.

Race 2: 1 1/16 Mile. OC 62500n2x

#2 Kershaw (3/1) – This gelding ran very well last time closing into a slow pace and overcoming trouble. He’s added the ability to rate to his game and he’s the clear one to beat in the Ductor’s opinion.

#4 Shooters Shoot (10/1) – Dropping out of a Grade 3 and stretching out 3^rd off the layoff, he’s very dangerous as the lone speed. You must use him at a price.

Race 6: 1 1/16 Mile. G2 San Felipe Stakes

#2 Dream Shake (5/1) – He was very impressive in his debut and blew away the Baffert favorite at 20/1. Stretching out for the first time, the Conductor sees the distance helping him.

Race 8: 7 Furlongs. G2 San Carlos Stakes

#8 Loud Mouth (8/1) – Drawn well to the outside, this guy is in great form and looks to get a perfect stalking trip. He’s won 3 of his last 4 and had an excuse in his lone defeat.

Race 9: 1 Mile. (Turf) G1 Kilroe Mile

*Gullet Shot of the Day #3 Social Paranoia (8/1) – Cutting back to his best distance, he ran very well last time pressing wide vs tougher. In a wide-open race on paper, the Conductor is praying he stays near his morning line.

Race 10: 1 ¼ Mile. G1 Santa Anita H.

#5 Express Train (3/1) – He dominated in first try at this distance on dirt last time. His price will likely float up from his morning line and is faster than Maxfield on paper. Easy Big Cap Winner. Choo Choo!

Santa Anita Park: Key Horses for Friday, March 5

on March 5, 2021April 13, 2023 By The Conductor's Scribe

Horses exiting the starting gate at Santa Anita racetrack during a horse race.

0/3 yesterday has the Conductor scrounging the cupboards for the last tuna fish can. With Big Cap Day tomorrow, we’ll head out to Santa Anita for the weekend. Let’s Ride.

Race 1: Furlongs. F.Clm 16000n2L

#1 Bella Renella (4/1) – Her work tab suggests she’ll be fit off the bench and her races last summer fit right in with this group. She’ll be a nice price in a small field and is dropping to her lowest career level.

Race 3: 1 Mile. Mdn 61k

*Gullet Shot of the Day #5 Law Professor (6/1) – Stretching out at Santa Anita for the 1^st time, this colt is working well and adds blinkers. McCarthy is 20% with a +$2.64 ROI this year with 1^st time routers and Rosario takes the mount for a barn he rarely rides for. There are many reasons for this boy to jump forward.

Race 7: 6 Furlongs. F.S.OC 20000n1x

*Scratched #1 Lovely Finish (12/1) – Exiting an easy maiden breaking win at Los Al off the bench, this mare has run figures competitive with this group at Santa Anita. Her price will likely be a big overlay with low % connections, but she can absolutely beat this group.

Santa Anita Park: Key Horses for Sunday, February 14

on February 14, 2021April 13, 2023 By The Conductor's Scribe

Two horses with riders training on a racetrack surrounded by mountains and trees, showcasing equestrian activity in a natural setting.

3^rd, 2^nd, 2^nd, 2^nd, 7^th yesterday for the Conductor at the Fair Grounds. Very frustrating. Back out to Santa Anita for a rebound Sunday. Let’s Ride.

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3^rd, 2^nd, 2^nd, 2^nd, 7^th yesterday for the Conductor at the Fair Grounds. Very frustrating. Back out west for a rebound Sunday. Let’s Ride.

Race 6: 5½ Furlongs. F.MC 20000

#3 Sugar Moon (30/1) – Call the Conductor looney tunes, but this bomb intrigues him. 1^st off the claim for Val Brinkerhoff, this filly moves into a barn that can win for the first time in her career. Adding blinkers and Lasix 2^nd off the layoff, she has early speed which makes her dangerous in a wide-open race. The Conductor is strongly against the favorite in here #8 Wicks and Chappies (6/5) after failing to get it done with a perfect trip at Santa Anita last time.

Race 7: 6 Furlongs. (Turf) F.G3 Sweet Life Stakes

#9 Majestic Steps (7/2) – She was very impressive breaking her maiden last time while being rank. Making her 2^nd start in North America today, she should step forward.

Race 9: 1 1/8 Mile. (Turf) S.Mdn 61k

*Gullet Shot of the Day #3 Big Frank Da Tank (15/1) – He ran a decent 3^rd last time at Santa Anita and looks like one that will improve with added distance. It is interesting that Prat rode him last time for such a small barn and he’s working well entering today. C’mon Tank! Skip!

Santa Anita Park: Key Horses for Sunday, January 10

on January 10, 2021April 20, 2023 By The Conductor's Scribe

No prices came home Saturday at Santa Anita for the Conductor, but he likes this card a lot more. Buckle your chinstraps, playoff football and ponies don’t stand a chance today. Let’s Ride.

Race 5: 6½ Furlongs. (Turf) F.OC 62500n2x

#4 Sadie Bluegrass (4/1) – This girl is a hard knocker and runs her race regardless of surface or competition. She should stay around her morning line in this competitive field.

Race 6: 6 Furlongs. Clm 40000

*Double Barreled Buckshot #1 Cartellate (10/1) – The Conductor likes the two O’neal runners at prices in here. This colt ran very well on dirt last time and is improving in the new barn. Switching back to turf and taking the blinkers off, he can take another step forward.

#4 Raging Whiskey (8/1) – He showed talent last year and is working well off the long layoff. The Conductor loves that work three back on December 16^th.

Race 7: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.Clm 40000

#3 Ellie Arroway (5/2) – She’s been up close to hot paces vs tougher in her last three starts and has still run well. She looks very strong in this spot.

Race 8: 6½ Furlongs. F.Kalookan Queen Stakes

#4 Acting Out (5/1) – This filly continues to get better and has romped on dirt and turf in her last two starts. She gets the acid test today and the Conductor thinks she’s ready.

Race 9: 6 Furlongs. (Turf) F.OC 100000n1x

*Gullet Shot of the Day #6 Plum Sexy (8/1) – Her debut win was eye catching and then she ran better than looks last time pressing the pace vs tougher. Dropping in class, cutting back to a sprint and getting Lasix today, she’s dangerous.

Santa Anita Park: Late Pick 5 Key Horses for Saturday, January 9

on January 9, 2021April 20, 2023 By The Conductor's Scribe

2nds are not what the Conductor ordered on Friday. We don’t want a big weekend, we need one at Santa Anita. Let’s Ride.

Race 6: 6½ Furlongs. S.MC 50000

#5 Big Discount (8/1) – He was well be in his debut for a barn that doesn’t have them cranked 1^st time out. He was bumped at the break and made a nice middle move for a good 3^rd. The Conductor sees him taking a big step forward today.

Race 7: 1 Mile. (Turf) Mdn 61k

#7 Earls Rock (5/2) – He ran a good 2^nd vs tougher across the pond in his debut. Drawn well for top connections, he’s most likely.

Race 8: 1 1/16 Mile. F.G3 La Canada Stakes

#3 Fighting Mad (9/5) – She has a clear early pace advantage over this field. The Conductor doesn’t see them catching her.

Race 9: 6 Furlongs. (Turf) F.G3 Las Cienegas Stakes

#4 Lighthouse (5/2) – This is a very competitive race even with a small field. The Conductor prefers this girl because of her versatility and steady progression. Her performance last time at Kentucky Downs was very impressive.

Race 10: 6 Furlongs. Clm 16000n2L

*Gullet Shot of the Day #1 Defense Wins (6/1) – 1^st off the claim for Hanson, this gelding showed talent when he was younger and is clearly best sprinting. Hanson turns him back to a sprint today and he gets a weight break. He’s the key to the Conductor’s day at Santa Anita.

Santa Anita Park: Late Pick 5 Key Horses for Friday, January 8

on January 8, 2021April 20, 2023 By The Conductor's Scribe

A large crowd gathered at a horse racing event, showcasing spectators enjoying the races from a grandstand.

Yes I am Free at 6/1 saved Thursday at Gulfstream for the Conductor, but man did he need Real Talk in the 7^th. He’s still excited to head back out to west to Santa Anita for Friday. Let’s Ride.

Race 5: 6 Furlongs. (Turf) OC 100000n1x

#6 Gator Shining (5/1) – This colt rallied nicely to break his maiden last time at Santa Anita. He looks to get a nice trip today with a hot pace to run at.

Race 6: 6 Furlongs. F.Clm 10000

#9 Wandering Patrol (2/1) – Drawn well to the outside with an early pace advantage, she looks tough to beat.

Race 7: 1 Mile. (Turf) OC 62500n2x

#3 Salvator Mundi (4/1) – He ran a huge late pace figure last time at this level closing into a slow pace. The mile is his best distance as well.

Race 8: 1 Mile. OClm 40000

#1 Zestful (5/2) – Without anyone else wanting the lead, he’ll be difficult to pass in the stretch.

Race 9: 1 Mile. (Turf) Clm 25000

*Gullet Shot of the Day #9 Camino de Estrella (10/1) – #7 Fly to Mars (3/1) looks tough in here, but the Conductor sees this gelding taking a big step forward at price. 2^nd off the layoff and claim and switching to turf, his races on the lawn fit with this group.

Santa Anita Park: Late Pick 5 Key Horses for Sunday, January 3

on January 3, 2021April 20, 2023 By The Conductor's Scribe

Frustrating Saturday at Santa Anita for the Conductor. He will keep the train in California Sunday to get back what he deserves. They will pay today! Skip!

Race 5: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.Clm 35000n3L

*Gullet Shot of the Day #3 Equal Measure (6/1) – Dropping in class and stretching out 2^nd off the layoff, this mare looks to run a top effort today and that will give her every chance.

Race 6: 1 1/16 Mile. Mdn 61k

#7 Star Sailor (4/1) – He ran a solid 3^rd last time sprinting at Santa Anita and his breeding and running style suggest he will improve routing. The Conductor is also interested in #5 Roman Centurian (8/1) and #9 Santos to Wilson (8/1), who are exiting the maiden breaker by the talented runner Life is Good.

Race 7: 1 1/8 Mile. (Turf) F.Mdn 61k

#5 Shes’a Perfectlady (5/1) – She had a wide trip last time in her first-time routing and still finished strong. The Conductor likes her steady progression as well.

Race 8: 7 Furlongs. F.G2 Santa Ynez Stakes

#7 Kalypso (5/2) – Shortening to 7 furlongs with a nice outside draw, she looks like the one to beat. The Conductor likes #2 Nasreddine (6/1) cutting back out of the Starlet at Santa Anita as well.

Race 9: 6½ Furlongs. (Turf) F.Alw 63000n1x

#12 Miss Lucy (6/1) – Making her first start of the year, she’s working well for a barn that can get them ready. She’ll be facing the weakest field she’s seen in her career and Prat takes the mount for a barn he rarely rides for.

Santa Anita Park: Late Pick 5 Key Horses for Saturday, January 2

on January 2, 2021April 20, 2023 By The Conductor's Scribe

A 6/1 winner at Gulfstream yesterday kept the train in motion, but that’s not good enough. The Conductor is headed back out west to Santa Anita today, Let’s Ride.

Race 5: 6 Furlongs. (Turf) F.Mdn 61k

#10 Katerini (3/1) – She ran well in her debut, which was also a key race. She’s had time off since, but working well and adding blinkers and Lasix for the first time.

Race 6: 1 1/16 Mile. OC 62500n2x

*Gullet Shot of the Day #4 Ekklesia (6/1) – Switching back to dirt where he’s his best, this colt is steadily progressing and worked a bullet entering today. Eurton is 26% with a +$0.74 ROI switching runners from turf to dirt this year.

Race 7: 1 1/8 Mile. (Turf) G2 San Gabriel Stakes

#5 Count Again (2/1) – He’s in great form and looks tough to beat. He’s run monstrous late pace figures at Santa Anita without great setups in his last few.

Race 8: 1 Mile. G3 Sham Stakes

#1 Medina Spirit (6/1) – The “other” Baffert will be a much better price than the favorite and won with ease in his debut. Stretching out for the first time and taking the blinkers off he has upside.

Race 9: 6 Furlongs. (Turf) OC 62500n2x

#1 El Tigre Terrible (6/1) – Shortening a furlong and switching back to turf, he’s his best sprinting on the grass. Miller is 30% with a +$0.72 ROI taking the blinkers off this year as well.

The Conductor’s New Years Day Plays at Santa Anita

on January 1, 2020May 8, 2023 By The Conductor's Scribe

With the chaos at Santa Anita in 2019, the Conductor took his train elsewhere and his bottom line suffered. Barring more catastrophes at the track this year, the Conductor will turn his focus back to the Great Race Place and play there almost exclusively. The California circuit is where the Conductor is at his best and he needs to tighten his scope. Santa Anita will rue the day they let the Conductor walk back in through their gates. In 2020, there will be blood, Let’s Ride.

Race 3: 1 Mile. OC 62500n2x

#1 California Street (3/1) – Stretching out to a route for the 1^st time 2^nd off the layoff, this gelding has run against some classy runners in his last few. His bullet works entering today show the Conductor he’s ready to fire.

Race 5: 6 Furlongs. F.Clm 25000

#7 Nomizar (4/1) – Drawn well to the outside, this filly can dictate her own trip and is working like a rocket ship.

Race 6: 1 1/8 Mile. (Turf) F.OC 40000n1x

*Gullet Shot of the Day #6 Kittyhawk Lass (8/1) – There looks to be a scorching pace up front in this one, so the Conductor is looking for a closer. This filly is steadily progressing and has a win at the distant. She’ll be finishing late.

#8 Mulhima (20/1) – This filly is trying turf for the first time and the Conductor is intrigued that Prat takes the mount for a low % barn he rarely rides for. In his last two rides for trainer Anna Meah, he’s hit the board.

Race 8: 5½ Furlongs. (Turf) G2 Joe Hernandez Stakes

#8 Grinning Tiger (15/1) – He can fly early and his sprint efforts on grass have been his best. His race two back over this turf course came back very fast.

Race 9: 1 Mile. Mdn 55k

#4 Snap Chap (5/1) – This 1.2-million-dollar colt will improve on the stretch out. The blinkers come off today and Mike Smith stays aboard.

#3 Don V. (15/1) – A price to include at least underneath. This colt is well bred to route and trainer David Hofmans can pop with 1^st timers. He was 17% with a +$0.65 ROI last year with debut runners.